Mommy FTW

Recently I was contacted by Tres Belles Spa (105 Bond Street, Boerum Hill) and asked to write a review of their services as well as help them reach out to other moms.  I went in for a facial, to check out the location, and to talk to Allison Tray, the owner.  It was a tough job, but someone had to do it!

Petite, but perfect for moms in need of TLC!

Allison opened Tres Belle Petite Medi-Spa spa 6 years ago, although they just moved to their current location in December 09.  When she moved in, she totally renovated the space – and though it is quite small, it manages to be serene, and certainly has enough room to do the job!  I treated myself to a basic facial.  It was very gentle and relaxing; I left feeling refreshed, and my skin was looking great.  I’ve had a lot of facials where afterwords I look like I’ve been attacked by the esthetician, but this was not the case.  She managed to do my extractions and leave my skin toned, polished, and glowing – but not red.  To me, this is a big deal!  I noticed when I was there that the owner and staff seem to know everyone who walks in the door.  I am sure that this closeness with the clientele would lead to increasingly better service – after all, the better someone knows your skin, the better they can help take care of it.  So, I am sure the more times I go back, the better the facials will be for me, and the more tailored they would be to my specific skin issues.

Get your facial + relaxation here - you know you deserve it!

I talked with Alison a little to find out more about her business and the services they offer.  It turns out that Tres Belle is a family business, run by Alison and her Dad (aww!)  She says, “My family had always had family businesses so it was a natural progression that my Dad and I ended up working together. We have always been close and my Dad has a really great sense for business and I love helping people feel confident.”

I asked her why she was reaching out to moms specifically, and she smartly answered, “Moms often forget that it’s important to take a break even if it’s once a month. Many clients and friends are Moms and when they come to Tres Belle it’s like they can have a bit of their sense of self back. Moms give on a constant basis and it feels great to be able to provide them with much needed attention, not to mention adult conversation!”  So true – and that is one of the main reasons I wanted to write about this on Mommy FTW – I know I don’t give myself enough time to relax, and do things just for me.  So I hope that I can encourage some of you to spend some time on yourselves!  If I have to bribe you with discounts, then so be it!

Tres Belle is apparently well known for its laser hair removal – something I’ve always been curious about, but admittedly know nothing of.  “We were honored to have been voted Best Laser Hair Removal in NYC on Citysearch for 2009 [ we also won in 2006, 2007, and 2008]!”  Allison bragged – and rightly so.  That is quite an honor!  “Our most popular package is definitely our Bikini Package. Moms never know when a day at the beach or pool is going to sneak up on them. With all the things you need to do to just get out the door, your bikini area should be a non-issue. Most clients require 10 visits to get to a permanent reduction of up to 85-90% but see results and skin improvement with just a few sessions.”  Personally, I think I might be sold on this one.  I am not a fan of the bikini wax, and not having to plan ahead for time at the pool would be fantastic.

So, for those moms who need to be pampered a little (which I am assuming is ALL of you!!) I encourage you to check out Tres Belles Petite Medi-Spa – it’s just on the other side of Flatbush pretty close to the Dekalb Ave train station.  FYI – if you are looking for some more opinions before you book, then check out their reviews on City Search – they are positively glowing!

Allison has kindly offered Mommy FTW readers some discounts : $25 off any facial plus every facial will include a free add-on of hand massage, and 10% off all laser packages.  Just mention “Cameron” when you book your service.  Pampering at a discount?  Who can resist that!?  Give them a call and book yourself an appointment – You deserve it, and you won’t be disappointed!

Tres Belle Petite Medi-Spa
105 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (718) 797-0033
Online at tresbellespa.com
Become a Fan of Tres Belle on Facebook

I’ve never really felt like I “needed” a dust buster until Cameron started throwing anything and everything (mostly food items) on the floor.  I can’t tell you how many Cheerios I’ve stepped on in the past week – creating that oh-so-hard-to-clean-up Cheerio dust.  I knew now was the time to get myself a dust buster!  I went to Amazon.com to see what the options were.  I am a sucker for well reviewed item, so in the end I went for one that had 155 reviews with an average of 4.5 stars – it had to be good, right?!  And, indeed it is!

This baby has some serious power!

This little number from Black and Decker isn’t going to be winning any beauty pageants any time soon, but it sure does the job!  So far, I haven’t met a chunk of who-knows-what it can’t handle (although I am sure Cameron will do his best).  The only thing I wish is that it was also a wet-dry-vac.  But I don’t think any cordless hand held is going to do that for you.  At a price of just under $55 – I am sold on this one.  Cameron even claps when I get it out!  Give it a try if your little one loves to leave treats underfoot.

Gowalla is a really interesting App for the iPhone that can help you meet up with other moms (or friends!) and it’s free.  Often used in conjunction with facebook, or twitter, but great just on it’s own, Gowalla encourages you to “Check in” places that you visit.  When you do this, it lets your friends who also have the Gowalla App know.  A message gets sent to their phone (like a text message – but not counting as one, for those of you who don’t have unlimited texting, like me!).  I think this has some pretty cool possibilities!

Tell your friends where you are...

...have an inpromptu lunch!

If you were at the Library the Playground, or out for a bite, you could check in at that location (create the location if it’s not already listed).  You can even add a description of what you are doing.  Your message would go out to your friends, and if they were near by, they could stop in.  It’s fun – and free, and might get you some unexpected playdates.  Gowalla works on the iPhone, Android, and Blackberry.  FYI, if you have heard of foursquare – this is pretty similar, but I think it has a few features that make it better.

Cameron and I visited the Clinton Hill Library last Tuesday in the hopes of catching Story Time – but the program was on break.  We still had a great time though!  Anyways, the Babies for Books Story Time is starting up again today, March 2nd.  There are two times : 10:45, and 11:30.  Maybe we will see you there!

The Clinton Hill branch is located at 380 Washington Ave. at Lafayette Ave, right around the corner from Underwood Park.

My loyal readers know that I grew up in Washington DC (in the Chevy Chase / Tenlytown area) and that my parents still live there.  Cameron and I have been visiting a lot lately – and plan to in the future, so I have begun to blog about our adventures there.

I hope my Facebook Fans of Mommy FTW who are in DC can get some use from this – I have also learned that a lot of my mom friends who live here in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill have some roots in DC – pretty cool!  Anyways, because of all the Washington DC related posts that I’ve done, and plan to do, I decided to add a new Catagory to Mommy FTW – Washington DC.  I hope that you all find it useful!

On Tuesday Cameron and I headed out to Clinton Hill Library (380 Washington Ave) for Reading with Babies, and a break from the rain. When I got to the library I saw a sign posted that there wouldn’t be any story time until March 2nd, and that they were showing a Sesame Street movie instead. I was a little disappointed, but I wanted to check out the Children’s section of the library anyways because I had heard it was a nice place for kids to play – story time, or no. Indeed, I was not let down.

Cameron plays with the bead maze

There was plenty of space for Cameron to roam around, and a few other babies there. So many books were at his level, and I didn’t feel bad about him taking them off the shelves himself and taking a peek at them (I just followed him around and put them back). There were also a few toys for the kids.

So many books to choose from

Overall, it was a nice place to take Cameron when the weather is bad, so we will certainly be back!

Usually when Cameron and I go out for lunch we end up at 67 Burger.  I can’t deny that we both LOVE their food!  Plus the staff is always so friendly.  But mom and baby can not live on sweet potato fries and burgers alone, so I was in search of somewhere new.  Celia, mom to Claire and fellow Brooklyn blogger (check out her site, Chic Squirt) recommended that I try Il Porto (37 Washington Ave Brooklyn, NY).  I admit my husband and I order pizza delivery from there all the time, but I had never actually been to the restaurant.

Under the BQE and to Il Porto we go!

So, Cameron and I ventured over there one afternoon to check out the scene.  They had plenty of room for my stroller, and also had a few high chairs.  The wait staff was very friendly and made Cameron and I feel welcome.  I ordered the gnocchi right away (per Celia’s recommendation).  I also got some bread for Cameron to snack on.  The pasta came quickly – and it was SO good!  Cameron was suspicious at first (as always) but once he saw me enjoying it, he gave it a try.  Success!

Cameron waits for his gnocchi. Also pictured Skip Hop Plate

So Fort Greene and Clinton Hill mommies (and daddies) if you are looking for something yummy for lunch, try Il Porto – and try the gnocchi – it’s perfect finger food for baby, and mighty tasty for you!

Want more info on Il Porto?  Check out this Lunchtime with Tillie review from Clinton Hill Blog.

Cameron and I braved the snow and made a recent trip back to Washington, DC.  Of course, while we were there we went to the Wilson Aquatic Center (3 times!)  I learned a few new things I wanted to share.

Let's get this show on the road!

1)Babies are now required to wear swimsuits and swim diapers.  We found this out the first day from one of the lifeguards.  He allowed us to stay, but said we should get one for next time.  We were able to find an ugly, but affordable swimsuit at Feline’s Basement in Mazza Gallerie.  Problem solved!

2)The Women’s locker room – which has warmer showers than the family locker room, and is much bigger, and has a swim suit dryer – also has a diaper changing station.  So if you feel more comfortable in there (I like it better, personally) try taking your little one to that locker room instead.

3)Be sure to bring lots of Quarters for the meters outside.  If you don’t have any, you can park at the lot that services Whole Foods.  If you get your ticket stamped it saves you a few bucks.

4)While getting my ticket stamped in Whole Foods (due to all the snow we couldn’t park on the street at a meter) I also got Cameron some lunch.  They have a great salad bar, hot food bar, and soups.  Cameron ate some squash soup, fresh mozzarella balls, peas, white beans, and pesto chicken salad.  Yum!  Upstairs they have a place you can sit and eat, which has 2 high chairs.  Unfortunately I didn’t have my phone with me – so no pics – but believe me when I say, there are lots of choices for mom and baby, and plenty of seating too!

I just wanted to spread the word about an upcoming mom’s night out that was posted on Parents Around the Hill (PATH).

When: Thursday, Feb 25th from 8-11

Where: Chez Lola which is at 387 Myrtle Ave (next to the gas station on Vanderbuilt)

Please RSVP to: Tracy Joerss tamcdonagh AT yahoo DOT com

Members of Parents Around the Hill can see more on the Events Page.

I know hard it is to get moms to commit and organize everyone – so please do RSVP if you think you might go!  You know you deserve a night out, and a cocktail or two, so secure yourself a babysitter or husband type, and I’ll see you there!

FYI for those of you who don’t know Parents Around the Hill is a ning (s0cial networking type-site) that brings together families from Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Bed-Stuy.  If you want to learn more about them before joining the ning, you can check out their public site at ParentsAroundtheHill.com

I am so fortunate to know a lot of moms who share with me their ideas and advice.  This post is based in their experiences, as well as information gained from the Fort Greene Babies Yahoo Group and Parents Around the Hill (PATH).  I haven’t checked out all these places myself – so I can’t speak to every one of them personally – but my mom friends haven’t steered me wrong yet.  The reason I have decided to post about them before being able to check them all out is I am guessing that a lot of you are starting to feel a little desperate with all this snow and cold weather – I know I am!  So here are some ideas of places to take your baby in the Fort Greene / Clinton Hill area:

The Booklyn Flea – The Flea has moved indoors for the winter months.  It’s new home is at One Hanson Place on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm.  The Flea is on the main floor and lower level.  According to one mom, the lower level has food options, and the upper level is where the sales go on.  She said the lower level is a great place to take kids and let them roam around, and that there is space for strollers.  So if you are looking for a weekend activity – check out the indoor Flea!

Story time at Greenlight Bookstore – Greenlight Bookstore is located at 686 Fulton Street and has a free story time on Saturday mornings at 10:30 AM.  Check it out for more weekend fun.

Playgroup at Brooklyn Junior – Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon there is a free playgroup at Brooklyn Junior (150 Clinton Ave – corner of Myrtle) from 3:15-6.  Please email info@brooklynjunior.com if you would like to go.  Children of all ages are welcome.

The Clinton Hill Library – Not only does Clinton Hill Library (380 Washington Ave) have a great and free Reading for Babies program on Tuesdays at 10:45 and 11:30, but I’ve also been told it’s a great place to take your kid to let them roam around even when no scheduled activities are going on.

Chuck E Cheese – Now this one, I never would have thought of!  Last Thursday a few of us were hanging out at Der Schwarze Kölner and one of the moms said that she had just been at Chuck E Cheese with her baby (he is an early walker).  She said that it was her nanny who had originally suggested it, and although she was skeptical – it turned out to be a great place for him to roam around, and it was free (since they aren’t playing any games).  Chuck E. Cheese is located in the Atlantic Terminal Mall.

Der Schwarze Kölner aka the Beer Garden – As I mentioned above I’ve been going to the Beer Garden (710 Fulton Street) with Cameron and some other moms + babies.  It is a great winter option – and they are so welcoming and nice!  Read more about Der Schwarze Kölner at this other post I wrote a few days ago.

If you have other ideas to share, please leave a comment!